How to replace an application icon on Android: 5 proven methods with photos and videos

Do you want to personalize your smartphone, but standard application icons seem boring? Replacing the icon with your own photo or picture is one of the easiest ways to make the interface unique. On Android, this can be achieved in several ways: from using special launchers to manually editing system files. In this article we will analyze all the current methods, including those that work without root access and do not require deep technical knowledge.

It is important to understand that not all methods are equally universal. For example, changing icons via ADB is suitable for experienced users, while installing a custom launcher can be done even by a beginner. We will describe each option in detail, indicate their pros and cons, and also warn against common mistakes. If you want not just to change the picture, but to completely redesign your desktop, you will also find useful tips here.

Before you begin, check the version of your Android (path: Settings → About phone → Android version). Some methods may not work Android 14+ due to stricter security policies. Also prepare in advance a picture for the icon in the format .png with a resolution of at least 192×192 pixels —this is the optimal size for most launchers.

1. The easiest way: using custom launchers

Launchers are apps that replace the standard Android interface. Many of them allow you to change application icons in just a few taps. Popular options: Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher, Action Launcher and Microsoft Launcher. Let's look at the process using an example Nova Launcheras it offers maximum flexibility.

After installing the launcher:

• 📱 Open Settings Nova (long press on the desktop → Settings).
• 🎨 Go to section Appearance → Icon Styles.
• 🖼️ Select Icon Packs → Add your own.
• 📁 Specify the path to the folder with your pictures (for example, Downloads/Icons).

Nova Launcher supports adaptive icons, so your photo will automatically adjust to the shape of standard icons (circle, rounded square, etc.). If the icon is not displayed correctly, try cropping it in any graphic editor to a square format.

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi, Huawei) block the installation of third-party launchers by default. To bypass the restriction, before installation, go to Settings → Applications → Defaults → Launcher and select System launcher, and then repeat the installation.

2. Manually changing icons via ADB (without root)

Method for advanced users who are ready to work with the command line. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to change system settings without obtaining root access. Important: this method does not work on all devices. and can be reset after updating the system.

What you will need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number — tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
• 🖼️ Prepared icon in format .png (size 192×192 or 512×512 for high resolution).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command:

   adb devices

   Make sure that the device is detected.

2. Download the icon to your phone (for example, in folder /sdcard/Download/icon.png).
3. Run the command to replace the icon (replace com.example.app with the batch name of your application):

   adb shell cmd shortcut set-icon --package com.example.app --activity com.example.app.MainActivity --icon-file /sdcard/Download/icon.png

4. Reboot the launcher with the command:

   adb shell am force-stop com.android.launcher3

If the command did not work, try an alternative method via pm set-install-location (details in spoiler below). Please note that Android 13+ this method may require additional permissions.

adb shell pm set-install-location 2
adb push icon.png /data/local/tmp/
adb shell su -c "cp /data/local/tmp/icon.png /data/app/com.example.app-1/base.apk/res/mipmap-xxxhdpi/ic_launcher.png"

3. Editing the application APK file (for experienced) data-i="118">This method allows you to permanently replace the icon in the application file itself (

This method allows you to permanently replace the icon in the application file itself (.apk). Suitable if you want to distribute a modified application or save changes after updates. You will need:

• 💻 app APK Editor (for example, APKTool or JADX).
• 📂 Backup copy of the original APK (in case of an error).
• 🔧 Knowledge of the structure of files AndroidManifest.xml and folders res/.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download the APK of the application (for example, via APK Extractor from the Play Market).
2. Open the file in APK Editor and go to the section Resources → Icons.
3. Replace the icon files (usually ic_launcher.png, ic_launcher_round.png etc.) with your own.
4. Save the modified APK and install it on your phone (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security).

Critical: If you replace an icon in a system application (for example, Google Play Services), this may lead to malfunctions of the phone. Modify only user APKs!

Make a backup of the original APK|Check the compatibility of the APK Editor version|Prepare icons in PNG format|Disable automatic updating applications|Make sure you have free disk space-->

4. Using icon packs

If you do not need to install your own photo, but just change the style of the icons, use icon packsThese are thematic sets of icons that apply to all applications at once. packages: Whicons, CandyCons, Delta.

How to install:

1. Download the package you like from the Play Market (for example, Whicons).
2. Install a compatible launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Action Launcher).
3. In the launcher settings, select Icon styles → Icon packs and apply the downloaded set.

The advantage of this method is the uniform design of all icons. If you need to replace the icon for only one application, you will have to combine the package with manual replacement (as described in the first method).

⚠️ Warning: Some icon packs contain advertising or require a purchase to unlock all icons. Before installing, check reviews in the Play Market - especially pay attention to complaints about “incomplete sets” or “paid updates.”

5. Replacing icons through the Xposed Framework (only for root)

For users with root access the most flexible method is available - modules Xposed Framework. One of the popular modules for this task is Xposed Icon Changer or GravityBox.

Instructions:

1. Install Xposed Installer and activate the framework.
2. Download the module GravityBox via the Xposed repository.
3. In the module settings, find the section Application icons.
4. Select an application, load your icon and apply the changes.
5. Reboot the device.

Advantages of Xposed:

• 🔄 Ability to change system application icons (for example, Settings or Phone).
• 🎛️ Additional settings for transparency, scaling and animations.
• 🔄 Changes are saved after updating applications.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Requires root access and may violate the warranty.
• 🐢 Possible lags and incompatibility with some firmware.
• 🔄 On Android 10+ Xposed is unstable (it is recommended to use EdXposed or LSposed).

6. Alternative methods: widgets and shortcuts

If none of the above methods are suitable, you can use a trick - create shortcut with custom icon instead of changing the original icon:

1. Install the application Shortcut Maker from the Play Market.
2. Select the application for which you want to create a shortcut.
3. Click Change icon and upload your image.
4. Save the shortcut to your desktop.

This method does not replace the original icon in the application menu, but allows you to place an icon with your image on the desktop. Minus - when you delete the shortcut, you will have to create it again.

Another option is to use widgets. Some launchers (for example, Nova Launcher) allow you to create widgets with custom icons that can be tied to application launches. This is a more flexible method, since widgets support additional functions (for example, displaying notifications or quick actions).

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

When replacing icons, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 The icon does not change after application:

  Check if the launcher is caching old data. Try clearing the launcher cache in Settings → Applications → Nova Launcher → Memory → Clear cache.

• 🖼️ Icon appears blurry:

  Make sure your image has sufficient resolution (minimum 192×192). For best results, use vectors or PNGs with a transparent background.

• ⚠️ The application stopped launching after editing the APK:

  Most likely, you damaged the file structure. Restore the original APK from the backup. or reinstall the application from the Play Market.

• 🔒 ADB command returns the error "permission denied":

  On new versions of Android, additional permission is required. Try running adb root before the main command (requires an unlocked bootloader).

If you are using MIUI, ColorOS or other custom firmware, some methods may not work due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, try:

• Disable "Data Protection" in the security settings.
• Use a launcher with support ADB commands (for example, Lawnchair).
• Install Magisk to bypass restrictions (only for root users).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions